Rajiv
Meaninglotus · Sanskrit
Rajiv is an Indian boy name meaning “lotus”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length.
Did you know?
- AnagramShuffle the letters of Rajiv and you get Viraj. Same letters, different name.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Rajiv would score 15 points, thanks largely to the J (worth 8).
- GenerationRajiv peaked in 1985, which makes it a Millennial name. The typical Rajiv you'd meet today is about 40 years old.
- HistoryRajiv first shows up in US birth records in 1962, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 63 years since.
US births per million boys, 1962–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Rajiv
Rajiv is a boy name of Indian origin meaning “lotus”. Its two syllables give it an easy rhythm, and the consonant at the end gives it a confident finish. It hit its peak in the 1980s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Indian names
More Indian boy names
- Unisex name: Makai · toward the sea
- Boy name: Arjun · bright, shining
- Boy name: Zain · beauty, grace
- Unisex name: Idris · possibly studious
- Boy name: Aarav · peaceful, calm
- Unisex name: Rohan · ascending
- Unisex name: Aryan · noble
- Boy name: Ishaan · lord, ruler
Questions about the name Rajiv
What does the name Rajiv mean?
Rajiv means “lotus” and comes from Sanskrit. Other boy names with a similar meaning include Ren (“often lotus”), Kamala (“lotus”), Kunal (“lotus; a bird”) and Arvind (“lotus”).
What is the origin of the name Rajiv?
Rajiv is Indian in origin, and its meaning traces back to Sanskrit. Other Indian names to consider are Makai (“toward the sea”), Arjun (“bright, shining”), Zain (“beauty, grace”) and Idris (“possibly studious”).
Is Rajiv a boy or girl name?
Rajiv is a boy name.
How popular is the name Rajiv?
Rajiv is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2019. It peaked at #1,228 in 1985, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What names are similar to Rajiv?
If you like Rajiv, you might also like Ren, Kamala, Kunal and Arvind.
What should I know before naming my baby Rajiv?
Rajiv is an Indian boy name meaning “lotus”, with Sanskrit roots. Sanskrit names are rich in meaning, often drawn from nature, virtues or Hindu tradition. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds crisp and confident, it's easy to spell and quick to call across a playground, and it pairs well with middle names of almost any length. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.